In a move eerily reminiscent of MSN Music’s recent decision to shut down its DRM authorization servers—only much faster—the Yahoo Music Store has alerted customers they will no longer be able to download songs or albums as of September 30, 2008. But it doesn’t stop there: once Yahoo shutters the music store, it will no longer be authorizing DRM keys for music customers legitimately purchased through the store. That means after September 30, paying customers won’t be able to move that music to new systems or devices in the future. Once an authorized PC or device dies, the music will die with it.
In a move which we’re sure makes the music industry feel warm fuzzies, Yahoo is actually recommending its customers burn DRM-protected tracks to CD, then re-import them into their computers in an unprotected, DRM-free format. “For any user who purchased tracks through Yahoo Music Unlimited, we highly recommend that you back up the purchased tracks to an audio CD before the closing of the Store on September 30, 2008,” the company wrote in an email message to customers. “Backing up your music to an audio CD will allow you to copy the music back to your computer again if the license keys for your original music files cannot be retrieved.”
The shutdown serves as another example of how digital rights management technology often interferes with customers’ ability to use media they legitimately purchased…and why illegally acquiring free, hassle-free music from file-sharing services appeals to many.
Yahoo is shutting down Yahoo Music Unlimited in favor of a partnership with Real Networks’ Rhapsody.
